A Second Generation of Env. Policies

Decisions about solving local environmental problems should be shifted from Washington to communities, without weakening national standards. To empower citizens and communities to make sound decisions, government should invest in improving the quality and availability of information about environmental conditions. See "Model Initiatives" and "Talking Points."

July 27, 2007	Promoting Renewable Power States can give consumers incentives to install wind, solar, and energy saving devices.
July 27, 2007	Partnerships in Water Management Private-public partnerships can be a big help to cities plagued by poor or outdated water systems.
July 27, 2007	Rebuilding America's First Suburbs It is far more economical to re-invest in first suburbs than to build from the ground up on the suburban fringes.
July 27, 2007	Trimming State Energy Use Energy efficiency in state government contributes to a cleaner environment and is a great bargain for taxpayers.
July 27, 2007	Transferable Development Rights (TDR) After determining what to develop and what not, market-based tools should be used to protect open space and historic sites.
July 27, 2007	Catching (and Cashing) Some Rays Giving consumers the right kind of incentives can dramatically spur the use of solar energy.
July 27, 2007	Growing Greener Gardens Xeriscape" landscaping reduces water use and polluted run-off, while enhancing property values.
July 27, 2007	Powering Oil Independence on Peanuts We can use farm products to power the nation's transportation sector, boost farming incomes, and speed oil independence.
July 27, 2007	A Blueprint for Greener Buildings "Green" buildings use power and other natural resources far more efficiently and generate less pollution than other buildings.
July 27, 2007	Building Clean Cars State officials and business leaders can work together on private-public partnerships to develop technology for clean vehicles.
July 27, 2006	Driving Down Carbon Dioxide "Smart growth" development practices will reduce residents' need to drive - and greenhouse gas emissions.
July 16, 2006	Soft Path Water Quality These strategies address issues such as drinking water, wastewater, irrigation, and storm water runoff simultaneously.
July 10, 2006	Carbon Cash Crop These incentives will motivate farmers to adopt good practices that offset greenhouse gas emissions.
July 8, 2006	Farming Wind A number of state initiatives illustrate the combined potential for clean energy and economic development.
August 25, 2000	Investing in Homes Closer to Work This idea shortens commute times and boosts home ownership, via a public-private partnership.
October 7, 2004	Biodiesel It is infinitely renewable, relatively clean burning, and safe to handle, and it can be produced in abundance on American soil.
May 14, 2004	Water Quality Trading Market-based policies can tackle the tough problem of water pollution that flows off city streets and farm fields.
May 14, 2004	"Hook and Bullet" Wetland Protection The angling, hunting, and outdoor-enthusiast communities can be rallied to support federal clean water protections.
December 10, 2003	Fighting Climate Change Via the "Back Door" If greenhouse gases accumulate to the point at which their effects create public outcry, it will be very difficult to respond effectively.
November 24, 2003	Carbon Cash Crop II This initiative encourages farming, forestry, and other land-management and practices that offset greenhouse gas emissions.
November 6, 2003	State Clear Air Exchange A growing number of states are deciding that if Washington won't lead on the matter of global climate change, they will.
July 1, 2000	Back to the Center The New Urbanism holds promise as a sprawl-fighting tool for New Democrats.
October 1, 2000	Thinking Globally, Acting Locally State and local governments do not have to wait for Washington to act on climate change.
September 1, 1999	Little Green Schoolhouse We can build schools that are better for kids, as well as the environment.
April 1, 1999	A "Third Way" on Sprawl in Colorado The legislature must get off the sidelines and implement these initiatives before it's too late.
March 1, 1999	The Sunny Side of Sprawl Sprawl is the result of dramatic economic success and increases in home ownership.
March 1, 1999	The New Economy Metropolis The digital forces of the New Economy drive the dispersal of businesses and households.
March 1, 1999	The Politics of Sprawl Voters are rebelling over the three T's - traffic, taxes and topography.
March 1, 1999	Smart Growth in Silicon Valley Technology and entrepreneurship can be useful tools in the fight against sprawl.
March 1, 1999	A State Takes on Sprawl Maryland's experience has some valuable lessons for Colorado's legislature.
March 1, 1999	The Revolt Against Sprawl Many politicians are searching for solutions to poorly planned local development.
February 26, 1999	Fighting Sprawl Without Demonizing Suburbs Political realities and policy goals to keep in mind when addressing this quintessentially local issue.
February 19, 1999	Civic Environmentalism We must focus on community-led strategies that will solve a second generation of environmental problems.
February 27, 1998	Emissions Trading This market-based approach gives companies effective incentives for new strategies and technologies that reduce pollution.

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